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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-CHEVROLET-TRAVERSE NHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
2016 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Traverse problems

290 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Traverse?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
158 reports · fails ~85,429 mi · avg $1,100
critical
powertrain
33 reports · fails ~45,617 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
24 reports · fails ~59,547 mi · avg $700
moderate
electrical
21 reports · fails ~46,242 mi · avg $850
severe
cruise control
7 reports · fails ~41,448 mi · avg $600
severe
seatbelts
4 reports · fails ~47,500 mi · avg $500
moderate
visibility
4 reports · fails ~54,000 mi · avg $350
severe
body
3 reports · fails ~44,561 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2016 Traverse's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2016 Traverse?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Traverse · cruise control
Check engine light turned on, along with warnings: service stabilitrak and engine power reduced while the car was in motion. Physical speed of car was reduced to 25 MPH and could not accelerate over that speed.
12/30/2017 · at 43,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11057527.0 · see cruise control pattern →
2016 Traverse · powertrain
Had to have a rebuilt transmission placed in vehicle 1 year ago and subsequent work done 6 months later on the "new" transmission. Now 6 months later it began slipping when going from stopped through first 2 gears, rpms rev over 3. Called south charlotte Chevy to report I would…
12/28/2020 · at 60,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385328.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2016 Traverse · powertrain
2016 Chevy traverse engine traction control, stabiltrak problem. Engine light came on, display stated reduce speed to 25 MPH and the above warning flashed on the dash display. The car lost acceleration power. It happened twice in about a two week period. The first time it…
12/28/2017 · at 46,800 mi · NHTSA ODI #11057103.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2016 Traverse · airbags
My vehicle has had issues starting off and on with in the last year of having the vehicle. I replaced the battery and alternator. and now we think it's the neutral safety switch. I went to go check the recalls and I see that I had a recall on the front air bag module needs…
View all 290 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2016 Chevrolet Traverse? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 15V609000 September 29, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015

A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly, free of charge. Owners are advised not to use their front windshield wipers until the wiper cover has been replaced. If weather conditions prevent operation of the vehicle without using the windshield wipers, GM will make arrangements to pick up the vehicle for servicing. The recall began on September 30, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15780.
severe NHTSA 15V833000 December 11, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015

If the seat frame is not welded in the correct places, the seat may not perform as intended, and in the event of a crash, the seat occupant could be at an increased risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row left side lower seat frame, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21930.

Common questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 290 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 158 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 85,429 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 85,429 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Traverse has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 290 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Chevrolet/Traverse. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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